Now Commenting On:

Dodgers' All-Star teacher finalist announced

Email

Print

By Ken Gurnick
/
MLB.com |

DETROIT -- Isagani Celzo, a math instructor at the School of Social Justice in Huntington Park, has been selected by fans to represent the Dodgers in the "Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" campaign, which celebrates current and retired teachers who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities.

Celzo earned an academic scholarship while working as a janitor and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics at age 20. A National Board certified math teacher, he is a founding member of the School of Social Justice, where he teaches geometry and AP calculus.

To bolster mathematics achievement, Celzo analyzed student data and designed the Predictor Model, a statistical correlation, which is instrumental in the school's higher CAHSEE passing rate. His students' 2013 state assessment scores ranked the Best CST Summative HS Math out of 71 LAUSD-ISIC high schools.

Celzo's focus on closing the achievement gap and raising academic achievement for all of his students has had an extraordinarily positive impact on the school community. He also holds leadership roles as Mentor Teacher, Data and Intervention Lead, Teacher Growth and Development Cycle Lead, Math PLC Lead, and as an active member of the Governing Board.

Celzo will join one winner representing each of the 30 MLB clubs to be included in All-Star Week activities and recognized during the pregame ceremony of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game next Tuesday, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT on FOX from Target Field in Minneapolis. Guests and fans can visit AllStarTeachers.com and ABullsEyeView.com/Baseball for updates and behind-the-scenes access to campaign activities leading up to the All-Star Game.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.